This text deals with the antimicrobial resistance in fish as a result of its use in aquaculture, the development and spread of this resistance and the risk associated with the antimicrobial resistant in fish culture.
Antimicrobial resistance arises due to the overuse of antimicrobial drugs, most prominently antibiotics and others like antivirals, antifungals, etc. An antibiotic is a substance produced by one microorganism that selectively inhibits the growth of another microorganism and there are different types of it. Its use in aquaculture is accompanied by various factors and increasing use of it has several impacts.
As of now, the aquaculture sector is growing rapidly and currently, it accounts for more than half of the fish used for human consumption. Demand for food has been increased since the population of the world is growing rapidly so, dependent on aquaculture to provide a safe, reliable, and economic supply of aquatic food has also increased. This increase in production has been accompanied by the intensive use of antibiotics in the aquaculture industry which is leading to the production of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Antimicrobial agents use in aquaculture
2.1 ROUTES OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS’ ADMINISTRATION
3 Development and spread of antimicrobial resistance
3.1 Wastewater habitats as reservoirs for the development of AMR
4 Risk Associated with Antimicrobial Resistant in Fish culture
5 Management and alternative strategies
6 Conclusion
7 Conflict of Interest
8 References
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this review is to synthesize the current status of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the aquaculture sector, specifically examining the development, spread, and potential management strategies to mitigate the proliferation of drug-resistant pathogens in aquatic environments.
- Mechanisms of antimicrobial use and administration in global aquaculture.
- Pathways for the development and horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance.
- The role of wastewater and integrated farming systems as environmental reservoirs for AMR.
- Public health risks associated with zoonotic transmission from fish to humans.
- Evaluation of alternative strategies, including vaccines, probiotics, and phage therapy.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 ROUTES OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS’ ADMINISTRATION
1.Injection: It is the most effective and direct approach as antibiotics directly get into the bloodstream. It is only suitable for small numbers of fish or important fish species as it is labor-intensive and difficult to follow in commercial fish farming.
2. Mixed with food: For fish providing antibiotics orally by mixing with food is the most common practice (Watts et al., 2017). The required dose of antibiotic is mixed in feed during production or after production with some binding agents such as fish oil and canola oil. In this method, early detection of suffering fish is needed as only fish-eating feed will be treated. Very sick fish will not eat the feed resulting in mortalities (Yanong, 2016).
3. Bath treatment: It is a popular method for administrating antibiotics. However, it requires a large number of drugs as compared to injection and oral administration to achieve the desired level of result. In bath treatment there is no guarantee that the use of antibiotics in a large quantity will effectively get into fish, a large proportion of it may go into sediment which ultimately degrades the water quality and creates a favorable condition for AMR development. This method should be applied only when the majority of fish are suffering (Yanong, 2016).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of antimicrobial resistance as a public health threat and describes the expansion of aquaculture and the resulting intensification of antibiotic use.
2 Antimicrobial agents use in aquaculture: Discusses the types of chemicals used in aquaculture and the common routes of administration, noting the lack of standardized global regulation.
2.1 ROUTES OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS’ ADMINISTRATION: Details the three primary methods—injection, feed-mixing, and bath treatment—and their respective limitations in commercial settings.
3 Development and spread of antimicrobial resistance: Explains the genetic and environmental processes, such as horizontal gene transfer, that lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria in aquatic ecosystems.
3.1 Wastewater habitats as reservoirs for the development of AMR: Highlights how effluents from human and industrial sources contribute to the accumulation of antibiotics and resistance genes in natural water bodies.
4 Risk Associated with Antimicrobial Resistant in Fish culture: Analyzes the pathways through which resistant pathogens can transfer from fish to humans via the food chain and direct contact.
5 Management and alternative strategies: Reviews prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics, such as vaccination, probiotics, and plant-derived essential oils.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the need for stricter regulations, monitoring, and the adoption of alternative farming practices to curb the spread of AMR.
7 Conflict of Interest: Declares no competing interests regarding the research.
8 References: Lists the academic sources supporting the review.
Keywords
Antimicrobial resistance, AMR, Aquaculture, Antibiotics, Horizontal gene transfer, Fish pathogens, Zoonotic diseases, Wastewater, Public health, Probiotics, Vaccination, Phage therapy, Selective pressure, Resistance genes, Food safety
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines the relationship between the intensive use of antibiotics in global aquaculture and the resulting development of antimicrobial resistance, focusing on the environmental and human health implications.
Which topics are central to this research?
The central themes include antibiotic administration methods, genetic mechanisms of bacterial resistance, environmental reservoirs (wastewater), risks to human health, and sustainable management alternatives.
What is the main research goal?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive review of the current status of AMR in fish and to suggest strategies that minimize the reliance on chemical antimicrobials in aquatic production.
Which scientific methods are analyzed in the work?
The paper performs a critical literature review, evaluating experimental data from global studies on antibiotic concentrations, bacterial resistance patterns, and the effectiveness of alternative biological treatments.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the prevalence of antibiotics in different countries, the specific routes of administration, the molecular mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, and evidence-based management strategies.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Keywords include antimicrobial resistance, aquaculture, fish pathogens, zoonotic diseases, horizontal gene transfer, and sustainable management strategies.
How does "metaphylaxis" contribute to AMR development?
Metaphylaxis involves treating entire fish populations—including healthy and carrier fish—with antimicrobials, which increases selective pressure and promotes the development of resistant bacterial strains.
What is the significance of "horizontal gene transfer" in this context?
Horizontal gene transfer is a critical process where bacteria transmit resistance genes to other populations or ecosystems, allowing resistance to persist even in the absence of antibiotic exposure.
How do integrated farming systems exacerbate the issue?
Integrated systems often use animal manure as fertilizer in fish ponds; if the livestock were treated with antibiotics, the manure introduces both residues and resistant bacteria into the aquatic environment.
What alternatives to antibiotic use does the author suggest?
The author highlights the potential of vaccines, probiotics (such as lactic acid bacteria), plant-derived essential oils, and phage therapy as effective, safe alternatives to standard antibiotic treatments.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Saurav Lamichhane (Autor:in), Namraj Jaishi (Autor:in), Biplov Shrestha (Autor:in), 2021, Antimicrobial Resistance in Fish. Reasons, Risks and Alternative Strategies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1061075
